Floor SpeechUrgent2026-06-30

HONORING ALBERT HARRIS AS DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

HousingVeteransLGBTQ+

Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ALBERT HARRIS AS DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING ALBERT HARRIS AS DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E640] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ALBERT HARRIS AS DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Albert Harris as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Albert Harris has given nearly a decade of his life to the Orange County government as a photographer, but his work has always been about so much more than pictures. He began capturing weddings the very moment the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality, celebrating love when it mattered most. To date, Albert has photographed over 300 weddings and 1,600 marriage proposals. Each one, a story of joy and commitment. Two years later, he joined Orange County Health Services, where his lens turned to animals in need. Thanks to his photos and videos, countless homeless pets found families who would love them forever. When Hurricanes Ian and Irma tore through Florida, and when COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, Albelt stood alongside Orange County Fire Rescue and health workers. His images and videos didn't just document crisis, they comforted a frightened Nation, earning attention from coast to coast. Alfred is also a 14-year Army veteran with deployments to Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan. He has worn the uniform of public service since the age of 17. At home, he is a devoted husband to his partner of 10 years and a proud father to three cats. Albelt Harris still shows up every single day, making Orange County and the world a kinder, braver, better place. ____________________

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HONORING ALBERT HARRIS AS DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E640] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ALBERT HARRIS AS DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Albert Harris as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Albert Harris has given nearly a decade of his life to the Orange County government as a photographer, but his work has always been about so much more than pictures. He began capturing weddings the very moment the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality, celebrating love when it mattered most. To date, Albert has photographed over 300 weddings and 1,600 marriage proposals. Each one, a story of joy and commitment. Two years later, he joined Orange County Health Services, where his lens turned to animals in need. Thanks to his photos and videos, countless homeless pets found families who would love them forever. When Hurricanes Ian and Irma tore through Florida, and when COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, Albelt stood alongside Orange County Fire Rescue and health workers. His images and videos didn't just document crisis, they comforted a frightened Nation, earning attention from coast to coast. Alfred is also a 14-year Army veteran with deployments to Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan. He has worn the uniform of public service since the age of 17. At home, he is a devoted husband to his partner of 10 years and a proud father to three cats. Albelt Harris still shows up every single day, making Orange County and the world a kinder, braver, better place. ____________________